National Weather ServiceRhode IslandFlood WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Warnings in Rhode Island
The National Weather Service issued 2 flood warnings for Rhode Island in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 42nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 8, 26% below the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Providence was covered most often (164 times since 2008).
How many flood warnings does Rhode Island get?
Every flood warning that covered part of Rhode Island. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 8 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 14 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Rhode Island get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Rhode Island?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 164 | 43 | September 28, 2026 |
| Washington | 128 | 43 | September 14, 2026 |
| Kent | 125 | 35 | September 13, 2026 |
| Bristol | 43 | 8 | May 16, 2024 |
| Newport | 37 | 6 | May 16, 2024 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest flood warnings for Rhode Island in AreaZine's record
NWS Boston/NortonWarningSeptember 28, 2026
Flood Warning: Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth and 2 more, MA and RI
Expired 1:45 p.m. EDT, September 28, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningSeptember 14, 2026
Flood Warning: Washington County, RI
Expired 2:00 p.m. EDT, September 14, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningSeptember 13, 2026
Flood Warning: Kent and Providence, RI
Expired 2:00 a.m. EDT, September 14, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningAugust 4, 2026
Flood Warning: Washington County, RI
Expired 2:00 p.m. EDT, August 4, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningJune 23, 2026
Flood Warning: Bristol, Kent, Providence and 1 more, MA and RI
Expired 6:15 a.m. EDT, June 23, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a flood warning?
A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to happen. The NWS issues it both for rivers at forecast points (river flood warnings) and for areas where water ponds or runs off (areal flood warnings); AreaZine counts both. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Rhode Island.